No nationwide blackout - Meralco

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) on Wednesday denied rumors of a nationwide blackout due to the torrential rains and floods.

"We reiterate that there is no truth to a circulating rumor of a possible national blackout. Meralco is only de-energizing areas that are severely flooded," Meralco said in its official Twitter account.

President Aquino also addressed rumors of the national blackout, pointing out that Meralco cannot shut off power in the entire country. "Meralco is only the distributor. It is not the national grid," he said during a meeting at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

He appealed to the public not to spread disinformation during this time of calamity.

Rumors about a possible national blackout circulated on Wednesday as around 400,000 or 7.67% of Meralco customers still do not have power supply as a result of the massive flooding.

Meralco spokesman Jose Zaldarriaga said the power utility is continuing its mopping up operations. He advised consumers to be patient, noting that just because there is no flood in the area does not mean power supply will automatically be restored.

However, Meralco could not give a categorical answer on when power supply will be fully restored.

Meralco advised the public to call their hotlines 16211 or text 09175516211 and 09209716211. - With report from Alvin Elchico, ABS-CBN News